Employment sickness

[Flower2021]

Hi, I’m looking for some advice. I have been on long term sickness (April2020) for bereavement due to my mother, father and brother passing away around the same time. My manager has been calling me regularly which I am fine with, however he has now asked me in for my third welfare check. The past twice I have attended these I have been brought to tears as the ops manager has attended (2 different ops managers) and have said things like “wither your at home or at work you are still going to be feeling the same” or “you may feel this way forever, does that mean your never going to work again” it may sound like nothing to some but it makes me feel I’m being forced back in to work when I don’t feel I’m ready to do right now. I’m so anxious about attending my 3rd welfare appointment as I know how I’m going to be left feeling. I attend 3 different councillors and I feel when I have a few good days and start to feel like I’m getting better, these meetings knock me back again. I don’t know how to go about this 3rd meeting. Do I have to attend it giving that how they are being with me ?

[ULA]

I am sorry to hear about the reason for your long term absence.

A welfare meeting is a supportive tool and should not be used to force someone back in to work. It may be an idea to either speak to the manger who has been keeping in contact with you or someone from HR to explain how you feel in these meetings when the other manager is present.

You will need to check your contract about any obligation to attend welfare meetings during periods of long term absence.